Health troubles mother, son

Nov. 28, 2012

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News Journal

About Brighten A Christmas

Brighten A Christmas was established 64 years ago. The program is a collaboration among agencies, nonprofit groups and the News Journal, each doing its part to help readers extend a caring hand to neighbors during the holiday season.

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It’s been an increasingly challenging year for the Shelby mother and son who are Brighten A Christmas Case No. 6.

As the year began, the 32-year-old the mother had to take time off from work when her son, 6, became ill. Too much time off led to her losing her job.

Working from home allowed the mother to care for her son for a time, until she became ill as well. Gall bladder and hernia surgery meant yet another job lost.

To make matters worse, a roommate moved out in June after not paying the rent for six months.

“I have been unemployed since August,” the mother wrote. “I’m blessed with wonderful friends, family, church and a landlady who have been very supportive, loving and helpful.”

Nevertheless, the mother is $57.50 behind on her electric bill, $1,800 on her rent and does not have heat or hot water.

She also needs kitchen towels, washcloths, full-size sheets (“in blue, if possible, but any would be great”), a queen-size blanket, and possibly a queen-sized bed frame.

“Mine is too small for my bed, so I sleep at an angle and it’s starting to ruin my mattress,” she wrote.

Her son would like a “Batman” or dinosaur Lego set, “Veggie Tales” or “Batman” cartoon movies and washable arts and craft supplies.

Most of all, the mother is hoping for full-time, Monday through Friday employment that would allow her to be available for her son on nights and weekends.

“My ultimate wish!” she wrote.

Items for Case No. 6 may be taken to the front desk of the Mansfield Area Y, 750 Scholl Road, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to mark donations clearly for Case No. 6. Gifts do not need to be wrapped, but may be.